WASHINGTON (7News) – A decomposing body was discovered Tuesday afternoon near an elementary school and playground in Southeast Washington, D.C., prompting an ongoing investigation by the Metropolitan Police Department.
Authorities responded to a call around 1:42 p.m. and found human remains near the intersection of Wayne Place and 4th Street, Southeast. The body was located just steps from the 4th Street Playground and directly across the street from Simon Elementary School.
Although the remains were in a decomposed state, police have yet to determine the age or gender of the individual. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding their death remain unclear.
Notably, homicide detectives were not called to the scene, suggesting that police do not currently suspect foul play. Instead, the incident is being handled by the department’s Natural Squad, which typically investigates cases involving unattended deaths, natural causes, or non-suspicious circumstances.
The timing of the discovery coincides with summer break for D.C. Public Schools, meaning students were not on campus at the time. Simon Elementary School is currently closed in accordance with the district’s summer recess schedule.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. Authorities have not indicated how long the body may have been at the location or whether there were any signs of trauma.
More updates are expected as the medical examiner works to confirm the cause of death and identify the individual.
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